In total, 26 first-year trainee solicitors have joined the firm’s UK offices and will have the opportunity to work across its 11 key sectors of expertise, including energy and natural resources; financial institutions; healthcare; insurance; manufacturing; real estate; retail and consumer; transport, logistics and infrastructure; life sciences and pharmaceuticals; technology; and private wealth.

WBD was last year was ranked 161st in The Guardian’s UK 300 list of top graduate employers. Out of more than 60 law firms in the table, it was placed among the top 20. The annual list is based on the votes from more than 60,000 students and recognises the best employers in the UK for people seeking graduate jobs.

WBD partner and head of its Bristol office, Julian Kinsey, said: “Our people are at the very heart of what we do and we are delighted to welcome our new trainees in Bristol. They play a crucial part in our pipeline of future solicitors and to the growth and success of the firm.

“Our training programme is one of the best in the country, offering many opportunities for new talent to develop; and providing the essential skills, expertise and commercial acumen to pursue a successful career in law.”

WBD employs around 235 staff in Bristol – making it the second largest of its eight UK offices.